Music -- the Rules
Dance Band Rules and Regulations During the Third Reich
- in the repertoire of light orchestras and dance bands, pieces in
fox-trot rhythm (so-called swing) are not to exceed 20%;
- in the repertoire of this so-called jazz type, preference is to be
given to compositions in a major key and to lyrics expressing joy in
life ("Kraft durch Freude"), rather than Jewishly gloomy lyrics;
- as to the tempo, too, preference is to be given to brisk
compositions as opposed to slow ones (so-called blues); however, the
pace must not exceed a certain degree of allegro commensurate with the
Aryan sense for discipline and moderation. On no account will negroid
excesses in tempo (so-called hot jazz) be permitted, or in solo
performances (so-called breaks);
- so-called jazz compositions may contain at the most 10%
syncopation; the remainder must form a natural legato movement devoid of
hysterical rhythmic references characteristic of the music of the
barbarian races and conducive to dark instincts alien to the German
people (so-called "riffs");
- strictly forbidden is the use of instruments alien to the German
spirit (e.g. so-called cowbells, flex-a-tone, brushes,etc.) as well as
all mutes which turn the noble sound of brass-wind instruments into a
Jewish-Freemasonic yell (so-called wa-wa, in hat, etc.);
- prohibited are so-called drum breaks longer than half a bar in four
quarter beat (except in stylized military marches);
- the double bass must be played solely with the bow in so-called
jazz compositions; plucking of strings is prohibited, since it is
damaging to the instrument and detrimental to Aryan musicality. If a
so-called pizzicato effect is absolutely desirable for the character of
the composition, let strict care be taken lest the string is allowed to
patter on the sordine, which is henceforth forbidden;
- provocative rising to one's feet during solo performance is
forbidden;
- musicians are likewise forbidden to make vocal improvisations
(so-called scat);
- all light orchestras and dance bands are advised to restrict the
use of saxophones of all keys and to substitute for them violon-celli,
violas, or possibly a suitable folk instrument.
Signed,
Baldur von Blodheim
Reichsmusicfuhrer und Oberscharfuhrer SS
(Archived as number 34439)
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